Kentucky State Police arrest local man on more than 5,000 child pornography charges

A Henderson County man is in custody on more than 5,400 counts of child pornography.

John W. Smith, 46, Corydon, was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon by the Kentucky State Police and charged with 5,440 counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor.

Authorities say Smith's arrest was the result of an undercover investigation by the Kentucky State Police's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force into the possession and distribution of images involving child exploitation.

The state police have removed equipment from Smith's residence which will undergo a forensic examination, officials said.